THE CHRISTMAS RUSH.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIII, Issue 305, 21 December 1912, Page 11

THE CHRISTMAS RUSH.

DRAPERS DISPUTE RE HOURS.

CBy TelegrajUi.—Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, Friday.

In connection with arrangement entered into by the President of the Drapers' .Aβf sistants' Union and employers, with the concurrence of the Labour Department, that employees should wprk_ till 11 pun. to-morrow, night, a deputation in protest I waited on Mr. Massey (Minister for labour). The deputation consisted of representatives of the Trades Council and secretary of the Drapers' Employees' Union; The deputation claimed that the proposed extension of working hours wae a gross infraction of "the law. 2i£r. Massey said the arrangement was arrived at by the wish of both parties, but if the president of the union was not entitled to speak as an executive officer of the union and had no authority, then it was time he- was replaced. Mr. CrOßke.ry (secretary of the union) said before. the president met the parties to the a.rrangement he (Mr. Croskery) had protested against any proposed extension of hours. After a long and somewhat sharp interview Mr. Massey closed the discussion by saying he would communicate his decision to Mr. Loma-s, who would hand it on to the union. "In the meantime," be said, ac the deputation was leaving the. room, "I hope you gentlemen will settle your own differences amongst yourselves before you come to mc."